Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this mouthwatering Seafood Mac and Cheese recipe. Combining the rich creaminess of classic macaroni and cheese with the succulent flavors of crab, lobster, and shrimp, this dish takes comfort to a whole new level. Each velvety bite is a symphony of cheesy goodness and delightful seafood, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or simply treating yourself to a luxurious meal. With a homemade roux-based cheese sauce and a golden breadcrumb topping, this baked mac and cheese is sure to impress your family and guests. So, let’s dive into the recipe and experience the delectable marriage of seafood and cheese that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
1 lb. elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, at room temperature
1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
4 cups grated Gruyere cheese
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 lb. mixed crab, lobster, and shrimp
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Coat a 2-quart baking pan with cooking spray or use a small amount of butter to lightly grease the dish.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the instructions on the package until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse it with cool water, and set it aside.
To make the roux, melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour until well combined, about 30 seconds.
Slowly add the milk and cream to the saucepan, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth. Reduce the heat to low.
For the cheese sauce, gradually mix in the grated Gruyere and sharp cheddar cheeses into the roux, stirring to combine after each addition.
Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to your liking. Turn off the heat.
In a large bowl, combine the mixed seafood and cooked pasta with the cheese sauce.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and mix it with the panko breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes, or until the seafood mac and cheese is heated through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Serve immediately.
